Zakat ul Fitr must be paid by every self-sufficient adult Muslim who has surplus food before the Eid ul Fitr prayer. You can make your donation online.
What is Zakat ul Fitr?
Zakat ul Fitr is a type of charitable donation consisting of food that must be given out of love for Allah before the Eid prayer at the end of the month of Ramadan. This obligation applies to every self-sufficient adult Muslim who has excess food beyond their needs, including for their dependents.
Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat ul Fitr to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions, and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer.” [Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah]
According to the Prophet (PBUH), the quantity of Zakat ul Fitr is one saa’ of food, which is equivalent to four madd. A madd is the amount of food that can be held in one’s cupped hands. If we were to estimate the value of one saa’ of food based on the price of a staple food like flour or rice, it would amount to approximately $5. Hence, the Zakat ul Fitr obligation for each person is equivalent to $5.
Al Huda Way Organization can act as a charitable agent and receive monetary donations to pay for the food required for Zakat ul Fitr. The funds collected will be used to purchase the necessary food items at the appropriate time and location where they are needed the most. This will enable the distribution of Zakat ul Fitr to those who are in need around the world.
How much is Zakat ul Fitr per person?
As per the tradition during the time of the Prophet (PBUH), Zakat ul Fitr was given in the quantity of one saa’ of food, which is equivalent to four madd. A madd is the amount of food that can be held in one’s cupped hands.
It is common to receive the question, “how much is Eid Zakat ul Fitr?” If we were to estimate the value of one saa’ of food based on the price of a staple food like flour or rice, it would amount to approximately $5. Therefore, the amount due for each person’s Zakat ul Fitr obligation is $5.
Who is it obligatory on to pay Zakat ul Fitr?
Zakat ul Fitr is mandatory for every Muslim who has surplus food beyond their needs, and unlike Zakat, it is a duty for every member of the household. This means that the head of the household or the parents and guardians can pay Zakat ul Fitr on behalf of other members of the family.
What is Eid Zakat ul Fitr?
Zakat ul Fitr, sometimes referred to as Eid Zakat ul Fitr or Sadaqatul Fitr, is a charitable donation that must be given before the Eid al Fitr prayer. Therefore it must be given before the end of the month of Ramadan.
What is Sadaqatul Fitr?
Sadaqatul Fitr is an alternative name for Zakat ul Fitr.
Zakat ul Fitr FAQs
– What is Zakat ul Fitr, and why is it paid?
Zakat ul Fitr is a compulsory obligation for every Muslim who possesses one saa’ of food that is not needed as a basic necessity for themselves or their family for the duration of one day and night. This means that if someone has surplus food beyond their needs that can last for one day and night, they must pay Zakat ul Fitr.
*The quantity is described by Prophet (PBUH) as one saa’ of food. One saa’ is equivalent to four madd. A madd is the amount that can be scooped up when one puts their hands together.
Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat ul Fitr to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions, and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer.” [Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah]
– When should Zakat ul Fitr be paid?
Zakat ul Fitr must be paid during the month of Ramadan, and the latest it can be paid is before the start of the Eid prayer. This ensures that the donation reaches those in need before Eid, allowing them to benefit from it.
Ibn Abbas narrates:
“It is accepted as Zakat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer.” [Abu Dawud]
– Do children have to pay?
As Zakat ul Fitr is mandatory for every member of a household, including children and babies, they are also required to pay it. However, parents or guardians may pay Zakat ul Fitr on behalf of their children or dependents.
– Who are the recipients of Zakat ul Fitr?
Most scholars are of the opinion that only the first two categories of recipients of Zakat, which are the poor and the needy, can receive Zakat ul Fitr. This means that the donation should be given to those who are unable to meet their basic needs or are experiencing financial difficulties. Other categories, such as those employed to collect and distribute Zakat, cannot receive Zakat ul Fitr.
– Can I pay Zakat ul Fitr late if I forget?
One of the conditions of Zakat ul Fitr is that it must be paid before the start of the Eid prayer. However, if it is paid after the prayer, it will still be accepted as a form of Sadaqah (voluntary charity), but the reward for it will be less than if it was paid as Zakat ul Fitr before the Eid prayer. Therefore, it is recommended to pay Zakat ul Fitr on time to ensure the maximum reward.
– What do you mean when you say Al Huda Way Organization acts as an agent and how does this allow me to pay in currency?
An agent can help facilitate the payment of Zakat ul Fitr on behalf of someone who is unable to do it themselves or prefers to use an intermediary. This can be done by giving the agent the amount of money equivalent to the cost of the Zakat ul Fitr, who will then use that money to purchase the food required and distribute it to the appropriate recipients. This way, it is as if the person paying the Zakat ul Fitr has given food instead of currency, as the agent acts as a proxy on their behalf to purchase and distribute the food to those in need.
– Can you take Zakat ul Fitr before the 27th of Ramadan?
Yes you can. According to the Hanafi Madh-hab, which is followed by some Muslims, it is permissible to give the equivalent amount of Zakat ul Fitr in cash instead of food. The Shafi’i Madh-hab also allows for the payment of Zakat ul Fitr in cash, but only if it is more beneficial for the recipient. This ruling is based on the principle of providing maximum benefit to the poor and needy, which may be better served through the use of cash. However, it is important to note that other Madh-habs may have different opinions on this matter, and it is always best to consult with a qualified Islamic scholar or authority on such issues.